A module structure for square battery pack heat dissipation and heat runaway propagation prevention

Abstract

The application discloses a module structure for square battery pack heat dissipation and heat runaway propagation prevention, which comprises: a plurality of square batteries arranged side by side to form a battery pack; a plurality of heat dissipation components placed between two adjacent square batteries, comprising heat insulation materials and heat dissipation fins distributed on both sides of the heat insulation materials, a plurality of low-melting-point alloys are distributed in the heat insulation materials, the low-melting-point alloys are in contact with the heat dissipation fins at both ends, and the heat dissipation fins are in contact with the square batteries; and a cooling isolation piece for supporting the battery pack and the heat dissipation components, which is internally distributed with cooling liquid, and the heat dissipation fins are in contact with the cooling liquid by penetrating through the outer surface of the cooling isolation piece. The application can not only dissipate heat through the heat dissipation fins in contact with the square batteries, but also conduct heat to the heat dissipation fins in contact with the low-melting-point alloys, so that the heat dissipation capacity is improved, and when the battery temperature is too high, the low-melting-point alloys can be melted to separate from the heat dissipation fins on both sides, so that the heat runaway behavior propagation is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power battery thermal management, and particularly relates to a module structure for heat dissipation of square battery packs and prevention of thermal runaway propagation. Background Technology

[0002] Significant progress has been made in energy transition and new energy technologies. Electric vehicles and energy storage power stations are showing a rapid growth trend. The energy density and driving range of power batteries have also been significantly improved. As a result, batteries generate more and more heat during charging and discharging. In addition, due to the space limitations of battery packs, if the heat dissipation effect is not good, when the battery temperature exceeds its own tolerance temperature range, the battery is very likely to experience thermal runaway, or even trigger thermal runaway of the entire battery pack, ultimately leading to fire and explosion accidents in new energy vehicles and energy storage power stations.

[0003] Currently, a lot of research has been conducted on battery thermal management and thermal runaway protection. However, in practical applications, how to effectively integrate thermal management technology and thermal runaway prevention mechanisms into the battery system to ensure that the battery pack can work stably and reliably is a challenging task. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and provide a module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in square battery packs. This structure can enhance heat dissipation during battery pack charging and discharging and prevent thermal runaway from propagating to adjacent battery packs when a single battery experiences thermal runaway. It effectively integrates battery pack thermal management technology and thermal runaway prevention mechanism into the battery system, thereby improving the performance and lifespan of the battery pack and reducing the risk of fire accidents.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives and effects, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] A module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in a square battery pack includes:

[0007] Several square batteries are arranged side by side to form a battery pack;

[0008] Several heat dissipation components are placed between two adjacent square batteries, including heat insulation material and heat dissipation fins distributed on both sides of the heat insulation material. Several low melting point alloys are distributed in the heat insulation material. The two ends of the low melting point alloys are attached to the heat dissipation fins, and the heat dissipation fins are attached to the square batteries.

[0009] The cooling isolator is used to support and house the battery pack and heat dissipation components. It contains coolant, and the heat dissipation fins pass through the outer surface of the cooling isolator and come into contact with the coolant.

[0010] Furthermore, the cooling isolation component includes a cooling plate and an isolation plate, wherein:

[0011] The isolation plate is used to support and place the battery pack and heat dissipation components, and to isolate the battery pack from the cooling plate. The surface is distributed with several sets of plug-in holes corresponding to the heat dissipation components. Each set of plug-in holes includes two plug-in through holes that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins.

[0012] The surface of the cooling plate is evenly distributed with insertion slots corresponding to the insertion holes. An S-shaped flow channel is connected to the port of the insertion slot. The two ends of the S-shaped flow channel are respectively provided with a flow channel inlet and a flow channel outlet that connect to the outside.

[0013] Furthermore, the gap between the heat dissipation fins and the square battery is filled with thermally conductive material.

[0014] Furthermore, the melting point of the low-melting-point alloy is lower than the maximum rated temperature of the battery pack.

[0015] Furthermore, the melting point of low-melting-point alloys is 80-120 degrees Celsius.

[0016] Furthermore, the heat dissipation fins are welded to the insertion holes and insertion slots.

[0017] Furthermore, the cooling isolation component is an independent cooling support plate with a through-hole in the middle. Coolant is distributed in the through-hole, and the heat dissipation fins pass through the outer surface of the cooling support plate and come into contact with the coolant in the through-hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat dissipation fins are welded together with the cooling support plate.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes an assembly unit for establishing a connection between the two battery packs. The assembly unit includes a heat dissipation connection assembly, an isolation connection plate, and a cooling connection plate, wherein:

[0020] A heat dissipation connection assembly is used to connect two battery packs. It includes a heat insulation connection material and heat dissipation connection fins distributed on both sides of the heat insulation connection material. The heat insulation connection material has the same structure as the heat insulation material, and the heat dissipation connection fins have the same structure as the heat dissipation fins.

[0021] The isolation connection plate is used to support and place the heat insulation connection material and isolate the heat insulation connection material from the cooling connection plate. The two sides of the surface are symmetrically provided with first insertion grooves that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins.

[0022] The cooling connection plate has symmetrical second insertion grooves on both sides of its surface that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins. The cooling connection plate has a central flow channel in the middle of its surface. The central flow channel has an assembly inlet and an assembly outlet at both ends that are connected to the second insertion grooves. Both the assembly inlet and the assembly outlet have L-shaped cooling tubes at their outer ports. The two cooling tubes are connected to the flow channel inlet and the flow channel outlet respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, the cooling connecting plate and the cooling plate are connected by fasteners, wherein:

[0024] The fastener includes a fastening plate and two symmetrically arranged limiting guide blocks on the inner surface of the fastening plate. A fastening through hole is provided between the two limiting guide blocks, and a waist-shaped groove is provided on the outer side of the limiting guide blocks. A first fastening bolt connected to a cooling connecting plate is installed in the fastening through hole, and a second fastening bolt connected to a cooling plate is installed in the waist-shaped groove. The limiting guide block includes a first guide inclined surface that contacts the surface of the fastening plate, and an obtuse angle is formed between the first guide inclined surface and the surface of the fastening plate.

[0025] The cooling connection plate has symmetrical first fastening screw holes at both ends that mate with the first fastening bolts;

[0026] The cooling plate has second fastening screw holes around its sides that mate with the second fastening bolts. Between the second fastening screw holes and the corner of the cooling plate, there is a limiting guide groove that matches the limiting guide block. The inner wall of the limiting guide groove has a second guide slope that slides in contact with the first guide slope.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0028] (1) In the battery module of the present invention, a low melting point alloy is placed in the heat insulation material between the two heat dissipation fins. The low melting point alloy can conduct heat between the two heat dissipation fins. When the temperature of a certain battery is too high, it can not only dissipate heat through the heat dissipation fins in contact with it, but also conduct heat to the heat dissipation fins in contact with it through the low melting point alloy, thereby improving the heat dissipation capacity.

[0029] (2) When the battery temperature rises too high and the heat dissipation capacity is insufficient, the battery temperature will be too high and thermal runaway will occur. The low melting point alloy will melt and then melt into the heat insulation material, and will detach from the heat dissipation fins on both sides, so that the heat cannot be spread to the surroundings, thereby preventing the spread of thermal runaway behavior.

[0030] (3) The square batteries adopt a sandwich structure of “battery-heat dissipation fins-heat insulation material-heat dissipation fins-battery”. There are two heat dissipation fins between the two batteries to dissipate heat, which enhances the heat dissipation effect. There is also a heat insulation material between the two heat dissipation fins to prevent thermal runaway.

[0031] (4) The separator separates the sandwich structure from the cooling plate, ensuring the safe operation of the battery pack. At the same time, the heat dissipation fins pass through the rectangular holes on the separator, which helps to fix the sandwich structure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a partial exploded view of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "opening", "upper", "lower", "thickness", "top", "middle", "length", "inner", "around", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] like Figure 1-6 The module structure shown is used for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in a square battery pack, comprising:

[0050] Several square batteries 1 are arranged side by side to form a battery pack;

[0051] Several heat dissipation components are placed between two adjacent square batteries 1, including heat insulation material 3 and heat dissipation fins 2 distributed on both sides of the heat insulation material 3. Several low melting point alloys 6 are distributed in the heat insulation material 3. The two ends of the low melting point alloys 6 are attached to the heat dissipation fins 2. The heat dissipation fins 2 are attached to the square batteries 1 to facilitate the transfer of generated heat and prevent the spread of battery thermal runaway.

[0052] The cooling isolator is used to support and place the battery pack and heat dissipation components. Coolant is distributed inside the isolator, and the heat dissipation fins 2 pass through the outer surface of the cooling isolator and contact the coolant.

[0053] The square batteries 1 form a sandwich structure of "square battery 1 - heat dissipation fin 2 - heat insulation material 3 - heat dissipation fin 2 - square battery 1" between them. This structure allows the heat to be transferred to the heat dissipation fin 2 when the temperature of one of the square batteries 1 is too high. The heat dissipation fin 2 then transfers the heat to the contacting heat dissipation fin 2 through the low melting point alloy 6, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

[0054] When a square battery 1 experiences thermal runaway due to excessive temperature, the low-melting-point alloy 6 filled in the heat insulation material 3 melts into the heat insulation material 3. After melting, the low-melting-point alloy 6 separates from the heat dissipation fins 2, and the heat insulation material 3 isolates the thermally runaway square battery 1 from the normally functioning square battery 1.

[0055] The cooling isolation component includes a cooling plate 4 and an isolation plate 5, wherein:

[0056] The isolation plate 5 is used to support the placement of the battery pack and heat dissipation components, and to isolate the battery pack from the cooling plate 4. Several sets of plug-in holes corresponding to the heat dissipation components are distributed on the surface. The plug-in hole set includes two plug-in through holes 51 that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins 2. The plug-in through holes 51 are rectangular holes.

[0057] The surface of the cooling plate 4 is evenly distributed with insertion slots 41 corresponding to the insertion holes 51. An S-shaped flow channel 42 is connected to the port of the insertion slot 41. The two ends of the S-shaped flow channel 42 are respectively provided with a flow channel inlet 43 and a flow channel outlet 44 that connect to the outside world.

[0058] The coolant flows in through the inlet 43 of the cooling plate 4, flows along the S-shape in the S-shaped channel 42 and comes into full contact with the heat dissipation fins 2, carrying away the heat and flowing out from the outlet 44.

[0059] The coolant flow rate and coolant flow channels in the cooling plate 4 can be changed according to the charging and discharging operation of the square battery 1 to achieve the best performance.

[0060] In this process, the surfaces of the square battery 1 and the heat sink 2 are kept clean and free of dust, oil, or other impurities. Then, the planes are bonded together in a sandwich structure. A suitable thermally conductive material is used to fill the gaps between the square battery 1 and the heat sink 2, thereby reducing thermal resistance and improving heat dissipation.

[0061] Among them, the melting point of low-melting-point alloy 6 is lower than the maximum rated temperature of the battery pack, which can be 80-120 degrees Celsius. The quantity, shape and size of low-melting-point alloy 6 can be adjusted according to the temperature rise during the operation of the battery pack. The low-melting-point alloy material can be selected with a melting point of around 120 degrees Celsius, or 100 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Celsius or lower to improve the sensitivity of preventing thermal runaway of the battery pack.

[0062] The heat dissipation fins 2 are welded to the insertion holes 51 and the insertion slots 41 to prevent coolant from flowing out and ensure the normal operation of the battery pack.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, unlike Embodiment 1, the cooling isolation component is an independent cooling support plate 45. A flow channel through hole 46 is provided through the middle of the cooling support plate 45. Coolant is distributed in the flow channel through hole 46. The heat dissipation fins 2 pass through the outer surface of the cooling support plate 45 and come into contact with the coolant in the flow channel through hole 46.

[0065] The heat dissipation fins 2 are welded to the cooling support plate 45 to prevent coolant from flowing out and ensure the normal operation of the battery pack.

[0066] Compared with Example 1, the space of the flow channel through hole 46 is significantly larger than that of the S-shaped flow channel 42, and the cooling method of the through flow channel through hole 46 has a more timely response and better heat dissipation effect.

[0067] Example 3

[0068] like Figure 8-13As shown, to overcome the aforementioned limitation on the number of battery packs, an assembly unit 10 is also included to establish a connection between two battery packs. The assembly unit 10 includes a heat dissipation connection assembly, an isolation connection plate 9, and a cooling connection plate 8, wherein:

[0069] A heat dissipation connection assembly is used to connect two battery packs, including a heat insulation connection material 31 and heat dissipation connection fins 21 distributed on both sides of the heat insulation connection material 31. The heat insulation connection material 31 has the same structure as the heat insulation material 3, and the heat dissipation connection fins 21 have the same structure as the heat dissipation fins 2.

[0070] The isolation connecting plate 9 is used to support the placement of the heat insulation connecting material 31 and to isolate the heat insulation connecting material 31 from the cooling connecting plate 8. The two sides of the surface are symmetrically provided with first insertion grooves 91 that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins 2.

[0071] The cooling connection plate 8 has symmetrical second insertion grooves 81 on both sides of its surface that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins 2. The cooling connection plate 8 has a central flow channel 82 in the middle of its surface. The central flow channel 82 has an assembly inlet 83 and an assembly outlet 84 at both ends that are respectively connected to the second insertion grooves 81. The assembly inlet 83 and the assembly outlet 84 are each provided with an L-shaped cooling tube 20 at their outer ports. The two cooling tubes 20 are respectively inserted and connected to the flow channel inlet 43 and the flow channel outlet 44.

[0072] The cooling connecting plate 8 and the cooling plate 4 are connected by fasteners 7, wherein:

[0073] The fastener 7 includes a fastening plate 71 and two symmetrically arranged limiting guide blocks 72 disposed on the inner surface of the fastening plate 71. A fastening through hole 73 is provided between the two limiting guide blocks 72, and a waist-shaped groove 74 is provided on the outer side of the limiting guide block 72. A first fastening bolt 76 connected to the cooling connecting plate 8 is installed in the fastening through hole 73, and a second fastening bolt 77 connected to the cooling plate 4 is installed in the waist-shaped groove 74. The limiting guide block 72 includes a first guide inclined surface 75 that contacts the surface of the fastening plate 71, and an obtuse angle is formed between the first guide inclined surface 75 and the surface of the fastening plate 71.

[0074] The cooling connecting plate 8 has first fastening screw holes 85 symmetrically provided at both ends to cooperate with the first fastening bolt 76;

[0075] The cooling plate 4 has second fastening screw holes 48 around its sides that mate with the second fastening bolts 77. Between the second fastening screw holes 48 and the corner of the cooling plate 4, there is a limiting guide groove 47 that matches the limiting guide block 72. The inner wall of the limiting guide groove 47 has a second guide slope 49 that slides in contact with the first guide slope 75.

[0076] During assembly, the first fastening bolt 76 is first pre-tightened by passing it through the fastening through hole 73 and the first fastening screw hole 85. During this process, the limiting guide block 72 is inserted into the limiting guide groove 47. Then, the second fastening bolt 77 is continuously tightened, causing the first guide slope 75 to slide continuously along the second guide slope 49, and driving the cooling plate 4 to move towards the cooling connecting plate 8 until the heat dissipation connecting fins 21 are in close contact with the outermost square battery 1 of the battery pack, thus completing the assembly. At the same time, in order to ensure that the heat dissipation connecting fins 21 are in close contact with the outermost square battery 1 of the battery pack, the surface of the outermost square battery 1 of the battery pack in Embodiment 1 can extend slightly beyond the edges of the cooling plate 4 and the isolation plate 5.

[0077] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0078] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in a square battery pack, characterized in that, include: Several square batteries (1) are arranged side by side to form a battery pack; Several heat dissipation components are placed between two adjacent square batteries (1), including heat insulation material (3) and heat dissipation fins (2) distributed on both sides of the heat insulation material (3). Several low melting point alloys (6) are distributed in the heat insulation material (3). The two ends of the low melting point alloys (6) are attached to the heat dissipation fins (2), and the heat dissipation fins (2) are attached to the square batteries (1). The cooling isolator is used to support the placement of the battery pack and heat dissipation components. Coolant is distributed inside the isolator, and heat dissipation fins (2) pass through the outer surface of the cooling isolator and come into contact with the coolant.

2. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling isolation component includes a cooling plate (4) and an isolation plate (5), wherein: The isolation plate (5) is used to support the placement of the battery pack and heat dissipation components, and to isolate the battery pack from the cooling plate (4). Several sets of plug-in holes corresponding to the heat dissipation components are distributed on the surface. The plug-in hole sets include two plug-in through holes (51) that are adapted to the heat dissipation fins (2). The surface of the cooling plate (4) is evenly distributed with insertion slots (41) corresponding to the insertion holes (51). An S-shaped flow channel (42) is connected to the port of the insertion slot (41). The two ends of the S-shaped flow channel (42) are respectively provided with a flow channel inlet (43) and a flow channel outlet (44) that connect to the outside world.

3. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gap between the heat dissipation fins (2) and the square battery (1) is filled with thermally conductive material.

4. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The melting point of the low-melting-point alloy (6) is lower than the maximum rated temperature of the battery pack.

5. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The melting point of the low melting point alloy (6) is 80-120 degrees Celsius.

6. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat dissipation fins (2) are welded to the insertion holes (51) and insertion slots (41).

7. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling isolation component is an independent cooling support plate (45). A flow channel through hole (46) is provided in the middle of the cooling support plate (45). Coolant is distributed in the flow channel through hole (46). The heat dissipation fins (2) pass through the outer surface of the cooling support plate (45) and come into contact with the coolant in the flow channel through hole (46).

8. The module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation of a square battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heat dissipation fins (2) are welded together with the cooling support plate (45).

9. A module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in a square battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an assembly unit (10) for establishing a connection between the two battery packs. The assembly unit (10) includes a heat dissipation connection assembly, an isolation connection plate (9), and a cooling connection plate (8), wherein: A heat dissipation connection assembly is used to connect two battery packs, including a heat insulation connection material (31) and heat dissipation connection fins (21) distributed on both sides of the heat insulation connection material (31). The heat insulation connection material (31) has the same structure as the heat insulation material (3), and the heat dissipation connection fins (21) have the same structure as the heat dissipation fins (2). The isolation connection plate (9) is used to support the placement of the heat insulation connection material (31) and isolate the heat insulation connection material (31) from the cooling connection plate (8). The surface is symmetrically provided with first insertion grooves (91) that are compatible with the heat dissipation fins (2). The cooling connection plate (8) has symmetrical second insertion grooves (81) on both sides of its surface that are compatible with the heat dissipation fins (2). The cooling connection plate (8) has a central flow channel (82) in the middle of its surface. The central flow channel (82) has an assembly inlet (83) and an assembly outlet (84) at both ends that are connected to the second insertion grooves (81). The assembly inlet (83) and the assembly outlet (84) are each provided with an L-shaped cooling tube (20) at their outer ports. The two cooling tubes (20) are connected to the flow channel inlet (43) and the flow channel outlet (44) respectively.

10. A module structure for heat dissipation and prevention of thermal runaway propagation in a square battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cooling connecting plate (8) and the cooling plate (4) are connected by fasteners (7), wherein: The fastener (7) includes a fastening plate (71) and two limiting guide blocks (72) symmetrically arranged on the inner surface of the fastening plate (71). A fastening through hole (73) is provided between the two limiting guide blocks (72), and a waist-shaped groove (74) is provided on the outer side of the limiting guide block (72). A first fastening bolt (76) connected to the cooling connecting plate (8) is installed in the fastening through hole (73), and a second fastening bolt (77) connected to the cooling plate (4) is installed in the waist-shaped groove (74). The limiting guide block (72) includes a first guide inclined surface (75) that is in contact with the surface of the fastening plate (71), and an obtuse angle is formed between the first guide inclined surface (75) and the surface of the fastening plate (71). The cooling connecting plate (8) has first fastening screw holes (85) symmetrically provided at both ends to cooperate with the first fastening bolt (76); The cooling plate (4) has a second fastening screw hole (48) around its side that matches the second fastening bolt (77). Between the second fastening screw hole (48) and the corner of the cooling plate (4), there is a limiting guide groove (47) that matches the limiting guide block (72). The inner wall of the limiting guide groove (47) has a second guide slope (49) that slides in contact with the first guide slope (75).

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